Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookies

Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookies Recipe with Raisins and Walnuts

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

Introduction

Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookies are a delicious and nutritious treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. These cookies are packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, whole wheat flour, and dried cranberries, making them a healthier alternative to traditional cookies.

History

Oatmeal cookies have been a popular treat for centuries, with recipes dating back to the Middle Ages. The addition of dried cranberries and walnuts to oatmeal cookies adds a modern twist to this classic recipe, creating a chewy and flavorful cookie that is sure to please.

Ingredients

0.75 cup raisins or dried cranberries
0.33 cup walnut halves or pieces (optional)
0.25 cup all-purpose flour
0.25 cup whole wheat flour
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.25 tsp salt
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
0.5 cup toasted wheat germ
0.5 cup low-fat silken tofu
1 large egg or equivalent egg substitute
0.33 cup vegetable oil
0.33 cup packed light brown sugar
0.33 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Lightly coat a 13 x 9 inches glass baking dish with cooking spray.
Place raisins (or dried cranberries) in a small bowl.
Cover them with boiling water and set aside to plump for 10 to 15 minutes.
If using walnuts, spread them in a small baking pan and toast in the oven until fragrant, for 5 to 10 minutes.
In a medium bowl, combine both flours, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Stir in oats and wheat germ.
Drain the raisins (or dried cranberries).
Coarsely chop walnuts if using and set them aside.
In a food processor, process tofu until smooth.
Add egg, oil, both sugars, and vanilla.
Process until the mixture is smooth, stopping once or twice to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
Add the reserved flour mixture, raisins (or dried cranberries), and walnuts; pulse on/off several times just until the dry ingredients are moistened.
Using a spatula, scrape the batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer.
Bake until light golden and firm to the touch, for 20 to 25 minutes.
Let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Cut it into bars (the bars will keep, well-wrapped at room temperature, for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 4 months).

Variations

Swap out the dried cranberries for raisins or chopped dried apricots.
Use different nuts like almonds or pecans in place of walnuts.
Add a sprinkle of chocolate chips on top of the batter before baking for a sweet twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to soak the dried cranberries in boiling water before adding them to the batter. This will help plump them up and make them juicier in the finished cookies.

- Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the batter will enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch to the cookies.

- Make sure to let the cookies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into bars. This will help them set and hold their shape.

Serving Suggestions

Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookies can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or dessert. They also pair well with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a comforting treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookies is to pulse the batter in a food processor just until the dry ingredients are moistened. This will help create a chewy and tender cookie texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tofu on hand, you can use an equal amount of Greek yogurt or applesauce as a substitute. You can also use any type of oil in place of vegetable oil.

Make Ahead Tips

Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 4 months.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookies on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an elegant presentation. You can also stack the bars on a decorative plate for a more casual look.

Pairing Recommendations

Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookies pair well with a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. They also go well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the cookies in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookies contains approximately 200 calories. These cookies are a satisfying treat that won't break the calorie bank.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookies contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for fueling our daily activities.

Fats

Each serving of Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat. The fats in these cookies come from sources like vegetable oil and walnuts, which provide heart-healthy unsaturated fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookies contains approximately 4 grams of protein. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, making these cookies a nutritious snack option.

Vitamins and minerals

Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookies are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and vitamin E. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookies contain wheat, nuts, and soy. These cookies may not be suitable for individuals with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookies are a nutritious and delicious treat that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. These cookies are a great option for a quick and satisfying snack.

Summary

Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookies are a delicious and nutritious treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, dried cranberries, and walnuts, these cookies are a healthier alternative to traditional cookies. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, these cookies are a satisfying and satisfying treat that is sure to please.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookies. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for our weekly baking session. Margaret was known for her delicious and inventive recipes, and on this particular day, she had a new treat in store for us.

As we chatted and caught up on the latest gossip, Margaret pulled out a worn and stained recipe card from her recipe box. She explained that she had recently discovered this recipe for Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookies and couldn't wait to try it out. I was intrigued by the combination of oats, butter, and brown sugar, and my mouth watered at the thought of sinking my teeth into a chewy, sweet cookie.

Margaret read out the ingredients and instructions, and we set to work measuring, mixing, and baking. The kitchen filled with the warm, comforting scent of cinnamon and vanilla as the cookies baked in the oven. We eagerly waited for them to cool before taking our first bite.

The moment I tasted that first bite of Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookie, I was hooked. The texture was perfect – chewy and moist, with just the right amount of sweetness. The oats added a hearty crunch, while the brown sugar and butter gave it a rich, caramelized flavor. It was unlike any cookie I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Over the years, I perfected my own version of the Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookie recipe. I experimented with different types of oats, varying the amount of brown sugar, and adding in extras like chocolate chips or dried fruit. Each batch was a labor of love, and I took great pride in sharing them with my family and friends.

One day, while visiting my aunt Clara, she mentioned that she had a similar recipe for Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookies that she had learned from a friend many years ago. She pulled out her well-worn recipe card, and we compared notes. It turned out that her recipe was nearly identical to mine, with just a few minor differences in measurements and ingredients.

I was fascinated by the idea that this recipe had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own twist and making it their own. I knew then that I had to continue the tradition and pass on my version of the Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookie recipe to my own grandchildren.

As the years went by, I shared the recipe with my grandchildren, teaching them the art of baking and instilling in them a love for creating delicious treats from scratch. I watched with joy as they eagerly measured out ingredients, mixed the batter, and carefully pressed it into the baking pan.

I could see the same look of satisfaction on their faces as they bit into a warm, freshly baked Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookie for the first time. Their eyes lit up with delight, and I knew that I had successfully passed on a piece of my culinary heritage to the next generation.

Now, whenever I bake a batch of Chewy Oatmeal Bar Cookies, I am reminded of that warm summer day with Margaret, the comforting scent of cinnamon and vanilla filling the kitchen, and the joy of sharing a beloved recipe with my loved ones. The recipe may have originated from a chance encounter, but it has since become a cherished tradition in my family – a delicious reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.